Joel Barish - DeafNation Expo 2023

Summary

In this interview, Joel Barish, CEO of Deaf Nation, shares the mission of Deaf Nation, a platform he co-founded with his brother to uplift the deaf community. Over the past 20 years, Deaf Nation has hosted 275 events across the U.S., providing a space for deaf business owners, actors, and professionals to showcase their work. Barish also discusses 'No Barriers with Joel,' his worldwide travels to preserve various sign languages. Deaf Nation World Expo is a major event held every four years in Las Vegas, drawing 30,000 attendees globally.

Takeaways

• 😀 Deaf Nation was founded by Joel Bearish and his brother, both of whom are deaf, to support the deaf community at a professional level.
• 💼 Deaf Nation has been active for 20 years, hosting 275 shows that elevate deaf business owners and professionals.
• 🌍 Deaf Nation showcases startup deaf business owners and gives them a platform to present their work to various audiences, including government agencies.
• 🎭 The event features a variety of actors, presenters, and other professionals from the deaf community, inspiring deaf children and their families.
• 🗽 Deaf Nation events are held in different U.S. cities, with six to 15 shows per year, including a Deaf Nation World Expo in Las Vegas every four years.
• 🎉 The Deaf Nation World Expo attracts around 30,000 people from 120 nations and serves as a significant gathering for the global deaf community.
• ✈️ Joel Bearish's 'No Barriers with Joel' project involves traveling worldwide to preserve different sign languages and highlight deaf communities.
• 🌐 The project has visited over 95 countries to discover and document diverse deaf cultures, even in remote areas of the world.
• 📢 Deaf Nation events are open to all exhibitors, deaf or hearing, and anyone can register on their website to become a vendor or participant.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Deaf Nation is a platform where hearing parents of deaf children can see a hopeful future for their kids through the success of deaf professionals.

Q & A

What is Deaf Nation and who founded it?

Deaf Nation was founded by Joel Barish and his brother, both of whom are deaf. It was created to provide a platform for the deaf community to connect, showcase their talents, and grow professionally.

What is the mission behind Deaf Nation?

The mission of Deaf Nation is to elevate deaf business owners and provide a platform for them to showcase their work and services, while also creating a space for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community to connect.

How long has Deaf Nation been around and how many shows have been held?

Deaf Nation has been active for over 20 years, during which they have held 275 shows across various locations.

What kind of people and businesses attend Deaf Nation events?

Deaf Nation events attract deaf business owners, professional actors, presenters, and startup entrepreneurs. In addition, hearing companies and government agencies attend to share products and services that target the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

How does Deaf Nation benefit hearing parents of deaf children?

Hearing parents of deaf children can attend Deaf Nation events and see successful deaf professionals and business owners, giving them hope and insight into the potential opportunities for their children.

Where are Deaf Nation events held in the U.S.?

Deaf Nation events are held in different cities across the United States, ranging from 6 to 15 cities per year.

What is the Deaf Nation World Expo and how often does it take place?

The Deaf Nation World Expo is a large event held every four years in Las Vegas. It draws thousands of attendees, with the most recent Expo hosting 30,000 people from 120 nations.

What is 'No Barriers with Joel'?

'No Barriers with Joel' is a global travel project where Joel Barish visits different countries to document deaf business owners, artists, and the preservation of sign languages, helping to raise awareness about the diversity of deaf cultures worldwide.

Why is preserving different sign languages important according to Joel Barish?

Joel emphasizes that sign languages are not universal, much like spoken languages, and each country has its own unique sign language. Preserving these languages is crucial to maintaining the culture and identity of deaf communities around the world.

How can someone become a vendor or attend Deaf Nation events?

To become a vendor or attend Deaf Nation events, individuals can visit the website DeafNation.com to register. The event welcomes both hearing and deaf participants, fostering an inclusive environment.